steering

Steering is the process by which an animal mechanically adjusts its movement to change its position in the environment. This is a crucial aspect of locomotion, enabling animals to navigate and control their direction.1

How Steering Works

Steering relies on sensory input and the integration of the nervous system. Animals use external stimuli (exteroceptive) to understand their position in space and internal stimuli (proprioceptive) to know the relative position of their body parts. This information is processed by the central nervous system, which then adjusts muscle contractions to achieve the desired movement.1

Steering in Aquatic Animals

In aquatic environments, fins play a vital role in stabilization and steering. For instance, fish, whales, and seals use anterolateral fins as their primary steering organs. Dorsal and ventral fins help prevent rolling and lateral swaying, respectively.2

Steering and Orientation

Steering is closely related to orientation, which is an animal's ability to determine and alter its position. While orientation can involve general changes in speed or direction (kinesis), steering involves precise adjustments to the locomotor pattern. This continuous adjustment is essential for counteracting environmental disturbances, such as air currents for a bird in flight.13